Bright Lights Windsor is illuminating Jackson Park with it’s dazzling display of lights for a third year in a row. Mayor Drew Dilkens proudly exclaimed before the lighting of the tree that “this is the best bright lights ever!”
The mayor continued to say, “Bright Lights is about community, and it’s about family, it’s about bringing people together. There is no entrance fee for Bright Lights. Anyone in Windsor is welcome to come here and experience the magic of the holidays, the magic of our community, the magic of Windsor.”
Bright Lights has been growing since its inception. From 60, 000 people in the first year, to 100 000 last year. Hopefully, the extra money and extension will bring in more people to see the lights.
One thing sure to bring in more people on weekends is the W.E. Made it: Christmas Market showcasing local artisans’ handmade crafts, as well as food and beverage vendors from around the city.
The W.E. Made It: Christmas Market operates on the weekends only, and the vendors change weekly, so be sure to check the link above for complete details.
Being able to connect several of these vendors to residents is crucial for the local economy, and helps communities to strengthen as people discover how to support local artisans in their city. A free public event like this is a great place to incorporate a local market, especially with Christmas being right around the corner and everyone looking for gifts on their shopping list. Why not shop the W.E. Made It: Christmas Market and support local artisans? It beats driving in the holiday mall traffic.
New this year is “Silent Nights” on Mondays, organized in partnership with Autism Ontario Windsor Essex. The lights will be on but there will be no sound and strobe effects will also be turned off; this is to accommodate people with sensory sensitivities.
Too often we are all so distracted by the noisy output of the media and all its little techno outlets that we don’t think to sit in silence. Silence can be a real blessing, the ability to sit still in a moment and allow yourself to be with you. It’s good for mental health, taking a break from noise and distraction.
This is a great event for a first date as it’s free, the atmosphere is pretty, and simply it’s fun. There is lots of space for walking and viewing the lights, places to sit with your coffee and hot chocolate (provided free on these nights December 6, 7, 20, 21, 26, 27, & 28, 2019), or touring through the W.E. Made it: Christmas Market.
A sleigh ride through the lighted park would be a romantic feature to add, making it even more cinematic, Windsor.
Enjoy Bright Lights Windsor 2019!